International Prospects Worth Watching for the Jazz

What could be the future for the Utah Jazz.

Oct 4, 2024; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils center Khaman Maluach (9) is introduced to the fans during Countdown to Craziness at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images / Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images

Basketball has either started or is just weeks away around the globe. With the Utah Jazz entering a rebuilding year, they will rely heavily on the draft to continue building their roster as they eventually look to climb back up the Western Conference standings. With that in mind, let’s identify a few foreign-born players who the Jazz could have an eye on early in the 2025 draft cycle. 

Nolan Traore: 6’3 Guard, Saint Quentin 

Traore has already been crowned the best French point guard since Tony Parker. He is a dynamic talent with the ball in his hands, one who can effortlessly get to where he wants on the court and run an offense seamlessly. Traore has also dominated against his age of competition in recent events. 

How efficiently Traore scores this year will go a long way in determining where he ultimately gets drafted. As of now, he looks like one of the best point guards in the class, if not the best. 

17-year-old Nolan Traore just put up a record breaking 45 points in the Euroleague’s ANGT today😈

Traore is making a case to go top-5 in an already loaded 2025 draft (via @swishcultures_ ) pic.twitter.com/o1rITtcf38

— B/R Hoops (@brhoops) May 25, 2024

Khaman Maluach: 7’2 Big, Duke 

A true wildcard, Maluach has the tools to be an elite center given his 7’2 frame and reported 7’5 wingspan. The South Sudan native showed flashes of production during the Olympics this summer despite being just 17 years old. Rim protection is his best skill currently but Maluach has a good baseline of offensive skill including a jump shot. 

It’ll be worth monitoring how NBA-ready Maluach is at Duke this season. If he shows fluidity and a promising offensive game, the sky is the limit for Maluach. 

Kasparas Jakucionis 6’4 Guard, Illinois 

The Lithuanian prospect had a big summer, boosting his draft odds. He’s one of my favorite guards early in this cycle due to his mix of perimeter shotmaking ability, shifty handle, and playmaking ability. 

His role at Illinois this season will likely play a major role in his draft stock. If allowed to run the offense consistently, Jakucionis could be a lottery prospect by June. He certainly had a productive summer to help springboard him into the college season. 

Incoming Illinois freshman Kasparas Jakucionis put on a show today for Lithuania’s U18 squad

22 points in the wing against Spain pic.twitter.com/oe3k3EZL4j

— Arman Jovic (@PDTScouting) July 22, 2024

 
Egor Demin 6’8 Guard, BYU 

A Russian forward that a large portion of the Jazz fanbase will get an extended look at, Demin is a unique player given his guard-like skills in a wing’s body. Demin is long, an excellent passer, and is skilled with the ball in his hands.

His shot is a work in progress, though his form suggests he can be a good shooter. If BYU allows him to showcase his strengths as a playmaker, Demin could be in for a major stock boost. Like most 18-year-olds, he’ll need to continue adding strength, but overall, he’s a guy that Jazz fans should get a good look at.

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